Stefanie Russell spent £4,000 on anti-radiation paint to block out WiFi and
mobile phone signals, claiming they give her headaches

A grandmother has spent thousands of pounds WiFi-proofing her home in a bid to block the wireless and mobile signals she claims damage her health.

Stefanie Russell, 72, has paid £4,000 for specialists to paint her home in anti-radiation paint, claiming she suffers from headaches and nausea when exposed to mobile phones and other devices.

“I’ve not been diagnosed by a doctor but my GP surgery is aware of my condition. Every time I am near WiFi or mobile phone signals I feel ill," she told the Brighton Argus. "It makes it difficult for me to get around and see people. I don’t touch the internet or email – it’s not safe.”

Mrs Russell says she suffers from electro-sensitivity, which induces headaches so severe she can't use buses due to the number of mobiles on board. She also avoids computers.

The four layers of anti-radiation paint on her home in Steyning, west Sussex, have minimised the signals, she said.

“The painting inside and outside my house is nearly complete. I feel much better now I’m more protected. I have a device which helps me to detect how many wireless signals are near, and I’m reassured that I will not have unwanted WiFi guests coming into my home.”

Electro-sensitivity is recognised in Sweden and Canada as a medical impairment, with those claiming to be affected by it experiencing headaches, trouble concentrating and excessive sweating.

While a large amount of scientific research has been conducted into the health effects of mobile phone use in the past 20 years, most current studies suggest exposure to mobile phones or bases stations is unlikely to increase the risk of health problems, according to the NHS.